Trade in 790 for 3320? Opinions wanted

[dirt ditch]

Originally Posted by RogerH

I don't want to upset a settled decision, but have you taken a look at the new 3E series? It is very close in size to a 790, but better loader lift capacity and a hydro. I think your dealer could get you into a new 3032E (or even a 3038E) for less money than the used 3320 and you would have the full warranty.

I have seen several posts from purchasers of this tractor, and the opinion seems to be that you get a lot of tractor for the money.

I saw a 3038E a few weeks ago. The main things I did not like were it seemed cheaply made (just my opinion) and it had no turn brakes. There are a couple places I mow that turn breaks are the only way to stay on the hill and not slide to the bottom.

[WH401]

I test drove a 3038e about a month ago. It was a very nice tractor for the price, and felt every bit as solid as my 3320. In fact, I would have to say it felt slightly more solid because of the fixed 305 loader.

[Mech]

Originally Posted by dirt ditch

Thanks for all the replies. It was good food for thought. I decided not to trade. It boiled down to Kenny's 3 things and the fact I really like my 790. Always seem to get the job done even though hydro and stronger lifting would be nice. Just means more seat time. LD also had a good point. once the 790 is payed off go find a good used 30-40 year old 100hp tractor w/ loader.

Have you put in a shim kit or two? My 790 now lifts as much as I want to lift with this little tractor.

[Mech]

Originally Posted by dirt ditch

I saw a 3038E a few weeks ago. The main things I did not like were it seemed cheaply made (just my opinion) and it had no turn brakes. There are a couple places I mow that turn breaks are the only way to stay on the hill and not slide to the bottom.

When doing a lot of loader work the hydro would be nice but I could also not live without differential braking. Seems like a fairly low cost item to leave off.

[beesberry]

Check E-bay 07 JOHN DEERE 3520 300CX LOADER 236 hours 1 year warranty left. I Suggest --ask the dealer to sharpen the pencil. I have a 3320 and love it, although I wish I had opted for a little more HP, as I have HILLS.

[spruce Deere]

YES, I too was eyeball'n a 3038e. If only they had them about a year ago... Like Mech said, try shims for better loader/3pt performance. I did with mine and its a good thing. On the 3038e, I did't like it NOT having separate wheel breaks. Separate wheel breaks should be standard on ALL non-oscillating tractors. My plan, pay-off 790 keep it, then buy a slightly bigger used tractor for the bigger chores I seem to be accumulating.

[dirt ditch]

Mech, spruce Deer,
Yea I shimmed to 2400psi. Everything still working well so was thinking would go a little higher. Have to get more shimms lost the ones I did not use. Still have the gauge though.

beesberry,
Horse power was never an issue. I live in Kansas... We ain't got no HILLS or hills, or even hills for that matter.
Better half had a lot to do with the decision not to trade and I am happy to keep the 790. Just had a moment of loader envy. I'm over it now.

[AchingBack]

Originally Posted by dirt ditch

Would like to hear your opinion on this. JD dealer has a late 2007 3320 hydro / 300cx loader that has 416 hours. It has been the dealers rental tractor since new. Would be trading in my late 2007 790 / 300 loader, six 60lb factory wheel weights and power beyond with 83 hours. I would keep my heavy duty 61" bucket. Salesman quoted me $18,500 for the 3320 and give me $12,000 for my 790. 3320 will have no warranty. 790 has 6 months of warranty left on it. Will have to refinance, but dealer is giving me more than I owe on the 790. Does this sound like a good deal?

My buddy just bought a brand new3320 ehydro, for $20K. If I were you, I'd consider selling the 790 yourself, taking the funds, and using them to make a huge down payment on a new tractor with full warranty. I never like to assume anything, but; rental equipment in general, is a gamble. Having said that, the reason the rental yards around here went to renting only HST tractors; is because clutches were being abused.

If you like the deal on this, you might want to get a second opinion from an independent party. 416 hours isn't high, unless those are hard-worked, abused hours. Go over it with a fine tooth comb, and listen to the still, small voice in your mind.

[foggy1111]

When I am doing allot of loader work.....I could sometimes be talked into trading for a tractor such as the 3032 (which I looked at the other day). However, the notion passes and I don't spend that many hours in the seat doing fel work....and I am into my 790 at a good price. And....I have gotten used to scratching in and out of the gears....lol. (I could also wish for a third "mid" range for loader work....but alas.)

One thing I thought I may be wanting for more lift capacity both with the fel and the 3 point. But I added one pack of shims (2400 psi) and sized my 3 point implements correctly......so, I have not had any issues with having enough lift capacity. I can pick up an over-full bucket of any type of material and handle several pine trees at a time when stacking logs for burning and such. I can pick up any of the implements I own with the fel. I suppose if I had to handle large bales it would be a factor....but I don't.

Hydraulic specs are one thing.....but the proof is in the operation. This little tractor has a nice balance of power and capacity.....and, I am quite satisfied with the hydraulic capacity of the 790 - for my purposes.

I also think a smaller, lightweight and nimble tractor is great when operating in timber. And.....I think its limitations help to keep me out of trouble.

[FLYBOY1]

I was quoted just over $22,000 for a brand new one with the loader. It has warranty and no hours. It would be worth the extra 4 grand to me to get new. Then you don't have problems and have full warranty and resale on it is higher because it is 2 years newer. I would go the new one for the diff. Just my 2 cents.